World Leprosy Day 2024: Every year on the final Sunday in January, the world observes World Leprosy Day to raise awareness of a disease that many people, particularly in industrialized nations, think is extinct. A particular type of bacterium causes leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, an infectious illness that targets the human nervous system. Usually, it affects the face, hands, and feet. It is thought to spread as a result of prolonged exposure to the bacterium that causes it. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the illness and educate the public about those who are affected by it.
World Leprosy Day History
Leprosy is a chronic bacterial illness that can cause irreversible harm to the eyes, skin, nerves, and respiratory system. In the afflicted areas, the ailment results in loss of sensation. Because they frequently are unable to feel pain in the affected location, people with this condition frequently ignore injuries or wounds that go unreported, which can lead to limb loss. Other symptoms that an infected individual may encounter include weakness in the muscles and blurred vision.
In honor of the Norwegian physician Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who is credited with discovering the bacteria that causes leprosy, the illness is also known as Hansen’s sickness.
Raoul Follereau, a French philanthropist, established World Leprosy Day in 1954 to increase public awareness of the disease and its socioeconomic effects in particular. In India, the day is commemorated on January 30, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s passing, in honor of his unwavering compassion for those suffering with the illness.
Despite being rare in affluent nations like the United States and relatively cured today, the disease is stigmatized. This is particularly true in Indonesia, Brazil, and India, the countries with the highest incidence rates. Individuals who are infected are frequently subjected to prejudice and exclusion, which can result in inadequate medical attention, therapy, and even denial of fundamental human rights.
Given that leprosy disproportionately affects the world’s poorer populations, the illness is starting to be conveniently forgotten. To help people seek treatment and lead dignified lives, World Leprosy Day seeks to raise public awareness of leprosy.
A Guide To World Leprosy Day Observance
Get a community parade organized.
Take group walks through the local community’s neighborhoods. Bring educational materials and signs that inform people about the illness and the day. After the procession, invite a non-governmental organization (NGO) involved in the elimination of leprosy to preside over a meeting at the market square. Raising awareness of the illness will be a great service that you can do.
Encourage those with leprosy diagnoses
Talk to the patients at a leprosy care center when you visit. They frequently feel abandoned and shunned by society. Give children a sense of belonging to our wonderful world. This is how you’ll undoubtedly accrue blessings!
Get a social media campaign together.
Put notes on your wall regarding the eradication of leprosy. Include links in your postings to articles and stories that can tell readers more about the illness. Promote the idea that leprosy is curable and that those who are afflicted should receive care.
Special Recreation for the Disabled Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Disabilities
5 Facts About The Leprosy Burden In The World
- Two to three million people worldwide are thought to be disabled as a result of the illness.
- In 2019, Hansen’s illness was identified in around 15,000 youngsters.
- More than 120 nations reported instances in 2018, with India, Brazil, and Indonesia combined accounting for 80% of the cases.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 150 and 200 cases occur in the United States annually.
- The states with the greatest instances in the US in 2018 were Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Arkansas, New York, and California.
Reasons Why World Leprosy Day Matters
To end social prejudice against those who are affected
To enable infected individuals to live with dignity, the stigma associated with their condition needs to be eliminated. For this reason, raising awareness of leprosy is essential. World Leprosy Day offers a forum for building an accepting society that accords the affected people the dignity they so richly deserve.
To raise awareness regarding leprosy treatment
Treatment with antibiotics is a cure for leprosy. Unfortunately, the majority of patients are from low-income families and lack the resources to receive care. In addition, the stigma associated with the illness discourages people from obtaining medical attention. The day raises awareness of the fact that leprosy is treatable.
To dispel the rumors and false beliefs about the illness
Society has far too many false beliefs around leprosy. Many people believe that a person with leprosy just “falls off” their fingers one day. Some believe that sitting next to or shaking hands with an infected individual is how the sickness is spread. On World Leprosy Day, these misconceptions might be dispelled to give those who are affected by the disease an equal chance to succeed in society.
WORLD LEPROSY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 29 | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 28 | Sunday |
| 2025 | January 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | January 25 | Sunday |
